Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

The southern half of the yard was cleverly transformed by Wei Chen into a vibrant little vegetable garden. The space, about four or five acres in size, was meticulously managed by his hardworking mother, Wang Xiulan. It was much better than Wei Chen's haphazard planting last year; it was neat, tidy, and allowed for the cultivation of more crops.

The neat rows of vegetable plots resembled green piano keys. Tender green scallions, upright garlic sprouts, emerald green chives, and fresh bok choy stood close together;

Several simple bamboo poles were covered with lush green cucumber and bean vines, interspersed with golden cucumber flowers and pale purple bean flowers. Many small cucumbers with yellow flowers on top and slender tender beans could already be seen.

Several tomato seedlings grew particularly robustly, their branches laden with green and red fruits, bending the branches under their weight, and they were about to ripen and turn red.

At this moment, Wang Xiulan was bent over, busy near the base of the east wall. She held a small shovel in her hand, carefully burying a few pumpkin seeds in the soft soil, and then stuck thin bamboo poles next to them to guide the pumpkin vines to climb.

Beside it, there was a small patch of watermelons that Wei Chen had specially planted. A dozen or so watermelon vines spread out, their leaves thick and dark green. Several small green watermelons, about the size of a fist, with clear patterns, had already formed among the vines, glistening enticingly in the sunlight.

These few watermelons became Wei Ran's biggest wish. She would run over to check on them several times a day, hoping they would grow up quickly and become sweet.

Hearing the noise, Wang Xiulan straightened up and looked back. When she saw her son, Wei Chen, standing unharmed at the Moon Gate with his prey, her heart, which had been hanging in suspense ever since Wei Chen went into the mountains, finally settled down with a thud. She put down her small shovel and quickly went to greet him, her face showing undisguised concern and relief.

"Chenzi! You're finally back!" Wang Xiulan's voice trembled slightly as she looked her son up and down. "Was everything alright on the way? Did you encounter any danger? Wild boars are very ferocious..."

Although she knew that her son had been through a lot in the mountains since he was a child, was skilled, and even had a gun, the worry that a mother has is ingrained in her bones, especially after hearing that her son was hunting wild boar this time.

"Mom, it's okay, I'm fine." Wei Chen grinned, lifting the pheasant and rabbit in his hand. "Look, we even got an extra bonus! Not bad luck."

Seeing her son looking so energetic, Wang Xiulan finally felt relieved and a relieved smile appeared on her face: "It's good that you're alright! It's good that you're alright! Come inside and rest! Have you eaten yet? Mom will make you something right away!" She habitually went to prepare it.

"Mom, don't bother, we've already eaten out." Wei Chen stopped his mother and handed her the game. "You clean this up, we'll stew a chicken for Ranran and Xiaoshitou at noon to satisfy their cravings." He pointed to the three children who were still playing with jacks.

Upon hearing the words "stewed chicken," Wei Ran immediately jumped up like a little rabbit, abandoning her game and running over excitedly: "Brother! We're going to eat meat?! That's great!" She stared longingly at the two brightly feathered pheasants, her little face full of excitement.

Little Stone and Little Grass also timidly gathered around, their mouths watering as they looked at the plump wild game, but they wisely kept quiet.

"Brother Wei Chen... Sister Wei Ran... We... We should go back..." Xiao Cao said softly, tugging at Xiao Shi Tou's clothes. Although her eyes were full of reluctance, she was still preparing to say goodbye. They both knew that no one was well-off these days.

"Go back? You're not allowed to leave!" Wei Chen waved his hand and made a decision directly. "Perfect, the job of boiling water and plucking chicken feathers is yours, the three of you! Little Stone, go to the kitchen and clean the big iron pot and fill it with water! Ranran, gather firewood! Little Grass, go get the big wooden basin! Hurry up! Get moving!" He deliberately used a commanding tone to assign tasks to the children.

The three children were taken aback at first, then their faces lit up with delighted smiles! Staying to help meant they would get to eat meat! This was an incredible stroke of luck for them!

"Hey! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Little Stone was the first to respond, rushing towards the kitchen like a little cannonball.

"Brother! I'll go get some firewood right now!" Wei Ran ran off happily. Xiao Cao pursed her lips, nodded vigorously, and jogged off to get the wooden basin.

Watching this scene, Wang Xiulan smiled kindly. She liked these sensible children, especially Xiao Shitou and Xiao Cao. Their families were poor, but they were always so sensible that it broke her heart, and they were also very polite.

Soon, the large iron pot in the kitchen was filled with water, and dry firewood was stuffed into the stove. The flames crackled and licked the bottom of the pot.

Wei Chen personally threw the fattest pheasant into the boiling water for a few moments, then deftly scooped it out and tossed it into the large wooden basin that Xiao Cao had brought over.

"Come on! The task of plucking the feathers is entrusted to you three little warriors!" Wei Chen pointed to the steaming pheasant in the wooden basin. "Make sure it's completely clean! Especially those tiny downy feathers, not a single one can be left! Whoever plucks them cleanest will be rewarded with a big chicken leg later!"

"I'll make sure it's completely clean!" "Watch me!" The three children immediately sat around the wooden tub, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work with great enthusiasm.

The scalding hot chicken skin was still a bit too hot to handle, but the children didn't care. Their little fingers deftly plucked off pieces of greasy chicken feathers and tossed them into the winnowing basket next to them.

They were focused and quick, occasionally comparing who could pull the stalks faster and cleaner, filling the small courtyard with the joyful sounds of their labor.

Wei Chen wasn't idle either. He went to the vegetable garden, picked a few tender cucumbers with flowers and thorns on top, pulled up a handful of bright green scallions, and pinched off a few fresh green beans.

Back in the kitchen, he rolled up his sleeves and began preparing the side dishes: he smashed and chopped cucumbers, minced scallions, broke green beans into small pieces, and scooped out a small bowl of pickled green beans from his own pickling jar, chopping them finely for later use. His movements were clean and efficient, clearly showing that he was used to doing housework.

Wang Xiulan watched her son's skillful movements, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She carefully rubbed salt evenly onto the other pheasant and the rabbit, then hung them under the rafters in the well-ventilated kitchen to air dry, saving them for later consumption. This was the most common method housewives used to preserve meat during those difficult years.

In the kitchen, the iron wok was heated, and Wei Chen scooped in a small spoonful of the lard that the family had saved up. The lard melted upon contact with the heat, releasing a rich, meaty aroma.

He poured the chopped, thoroughly cleaned chicken pieces into the pot. With a sizzling sound, white smoke rose, accompanied by an enticing aroma! He quickly stir-fried the chicken until the skin was golden brown and slightly charred, then added a splash of white wine to remove any gamey smell and enhance the flavor. Next, he added scallions, ginger slices, and a few peppercorns to sauté until fragrant. Then, he poured in enough hot water to cover the chicken pieces. He covered the pot with a heavy wooden lid, brought it to a boil over high heat, then reduced to a simmer.

While the chicken was stewing, Wei Chen quickly made a ring of two-ingredient dough pancakes, placing them around the edge of the pot.

Soon, steam began to rise from the edge of the pot lid, and a rich aroma, a blend of meat, flour, and a hint of wine, filled the small kitchen and drifted into the yard through the cracks in the doors and windows.

"It smells so good!" Wei Ran sniffed hard as she and her friends gathered up the plucked chicken feathers, her little face full of delight and anticipation. Little Stone and Little Grass couldn't help but nod in agreement, their stomachs rumbling loudly.

After simmering for about half an hour, the broth in the pot had become thick and creamy. Wei Chen lifted the lid, poured in the chopped potato chunks and green bean segments, added a small handful of his own dried mushrooms, and finally sprinkled on the smashed cucumber segments and chopped pickled green beans. He covered the pot again and simmered for about ten minutes.

When the lid was finally lifted, an even richer, more mouthwatering aroma burst forth!

Golden chicken pieces tumble in the milky white broth, potatoes soak up the sauce and become soft and tender, green beans and cucumbers are bright green, and the unique flavors of pickled green beans and dried mushrooms are the perfect finishing touch. The two-ingredient flatbread stuck to the side of the pot is golden and crispy on the bottom, soaked in the broth, while the top is soft and fragrant.

Wang Xiulan took out the largest rough porcelain basin in her house and ladled a whole pot of stewed chicken and potatoes into it, the broth almost overflowing. She also collected a large basket of golden flatbread.

"Dinner's ready!" Wei Ran cheered, helping her brother carry the heavy basin to the stone table in the yard. Little Stone and Little Grass also quickly helped set out the bowls and chopsticks and move the stools.

Five people sat around the stone table. Wang Xiulan kept putting food on the three children's plates, especially chicken legs and wings, which she insisted on putting into Xiao Shitou and Xiao Cao's bowls: "Eat! Eat more! You're growing! Don't be shy, make yourself at home!"

"Thank you, Aunt Wang!" "Thank you, Auntie!" The two children held their bowls, their eyes reddening as they looked at the overflowing meat and vegetables. It had been a very long time since they had eaten such a sumptuous and juicy meal.

Wei Chen smiled and placed a large piece of chicken breast on his younger sister's plate: "Ranran, you eat too! You did a great job plucking the feathers today!"

"Brother! I want to eat that pancake that's stuck to the pan! It's crispy and fragrant!" Wei Ran pointed to the golden pancake in the basket.

There were no formalities, only the satisfaction of thoroughly enjoying the meal.

The chicken is stewed until tender and falls off the bone, retaining the firmness and savory aroma unique to wild game; the potatoes soak up the rich broth and melt in your mouth; the pickled cowpeas bring a touch of refreshing sourness; and the crispy and fluffy flatbread dipped in the mellow chicken soup is simply divine.

The children's little mouths glistened with oil, their cheeks bulging as they ate. Wang Xiulan watched the children eat with relish, even happier than if she were eating herself, a satisfied smile constantly on her face. Wei Chen also had a hearty appetite, eating several pieces of meat with the fragrant pancakes.

Half a pot of stewed chicken with potatoes and a basket of two kinds of flatbread were eaten clean by the five people. Even the soup at the bottom of the pot was scraped clean by Xiao Shitou using the flatbread.

Everyone ate until their bellies were round, leaning back in their chairs, burping contentedly, their faces beaming with a long-lost, pure happiness and warmth. The small east courtyard was filled with the warmth of food and laughter.

However, this warmth and contentment were separated only by that moon gate. The rich aroma of meat in the front yard, middle yard, and back yard was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples, but more than anything, it brought unspeakable bitterness and jealousy.